Air International 2006-07
N.Beckett - BAE Systems' UAVs - Closing the Capability Gap /Technology/
Nightjar is a highly-sensitive test-bed for future unmanned air vehicles. This photograph shows a radar cross-section test being carried out on a Nightjar body with (pointed) radome. Air intakes can also be tested on this RCS rig.
Derived from the Raven, the Corax is used to demonstrate autonomy and flight control of a highly unstable, low radar cross-section, high endurance, intelligence, surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance configuration.
Kestrel is a sub-scale blended wing-body configuration that could be suitable for a future transport aircraft. It may be more a remotely-piloted vehicle than an autonomous air vehicle.
Powerplant options are being considered for the HERTI-1A production utility vehicle. The HERTI’s design origin - from the J&AS Aero Design J-5 and J-6 series of composite piston/propeller powered gliders - is evident from this view of the HERTI-1A in flight.
HERTI-1D was BAE Systems' first utility vehicle demonstrator. Trials with this jet-powered variant have shown no appreciable advantages over the HERTI-1A piston-engined model.